Steve Phelps Named NASCAR Commissioner, Steve O’Donnell Elevated to President

On Monday, NASCAR confirmed that it has appointed Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell to new positions within the sanctioning body.

Steve Phelps has been named the Commissioner of NASCAR, the first to be named to the newly created role that will require overseeing all aspects of the sport, including the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks.

Additionally, Steve O’Donnell, a long-time industry leader and the current Chief Operating Officer of NASCAR, will succeed Phelps in the critical role of NASCAR President, handling all day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR National Series and all NASCAR commercial, media and track operations, as well as the four international series and multiple grassroots properties.

Both roles are effective immediately and will be based out of Daytona Beach, Florida.

“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” said NASCAR Chairman & CEO, Jim France. “With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come.”

Currently in his 20th season in NASCAR, Phelps will lead all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion while continuing to work directly with NASCAR owners, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy. Commissioner Phelps will also work across the NASCAR ecosystem to create stakeholder value while increasing fan engagement on a global level.

“I’m honored to take this next step in helping to guide NASCAR, the sport I’ve loved since my father took me to my first race at five years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports,” Phelps said. “I cannot thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of the great American business stories and I’m privileged to continue as part of that legacy – and especially its bright future.”

With his new position, O’Donnell becomes only NASCAR’s sixth president, and will take over the everyday management of the sport with a focus on delivering historically exciting racing, exceptional value in partnerships, and a world-class fan experience.

Using his more than three decades of experience at NASCAR, where he’s held several roles including Marketing to Competition, O’Donnell’s scope will be expanded to include all operations, competition, and commercial business for the sanctioning body.

“In my 30 years in NASCAR, I’ve been most inspired by the passion of race fans at tracks across the country. It has been a privilege to help bring our sport to those fans through incredible new venues and innovative engaging content that showcase the best racing in our storied history,” said O’Donnell. “I believe we’re the best in the world at creating ‘Bucket List’ events that merge sports and entertainment with tailgating, camping and the most immersive fan experience in sports. I’m honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere.”

O’Donnell is set to drive continued innovation and engagement for NASCAR’s key stakeholders, fans, and employees, by creating a center of excellence for ongoing grown and mutual success across the sport. He will also oversee NASCAR’s major investment in content creation and distribution through the NASCAR Production Facility in North Carolina.

These changes have been made with immediate effect.

-Photo credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images